Meyer could bolster image of Hudson deal

Don't write off the wisdom of the trade of Tim Hudson just yet. The A's still have one piece left from the deal that sent Hudson to Atlanta after the 2004 season, and after struggling with injuries the past two years, Dan Meyer is coming on strong.

Meyer, who won for Sacramento at Fresno on Monday night, has struck out 24 batters, total, in his last three starts, covering 16 innings. He has given up six runs and seven walks in those three outings.

"Comeback player of the year," A's director of player development Keith Lieppman said. "He's been just wild enough to put up great strikeout numbers. Dan's velocity is back and he's healthy. He's able to do what he wants."

Meyer, 25, was brought along slowly to start the season after having surgery to remove bone chips from his left shoulder last year, and he is still having some trouble getting deep into games; he went five innings Monday and his longest outing is six innings. Meyer had made it over the 100-pitch mark his past several times out before lasting 90 on Monday.

"His arm is all the way back and his stuff is there," minor-league pitching instructor Ron Romanick said. "But he's just excited about his general health and how well he's bouncing back between starts."

Should the A's need another starter at some point, Meyer is beginning to look like a viable option. With Juan Cruz and Charles Thomas both gone from the Hudson trade, a healthy Meyer could help make that deal appear at least a little less lopsided.

Briefly: Jay Witasick, who was designated for assignment nine days ago, is expected to sign with Tampa Bay today and the veteran right-hander said by phone he believes that it's a good fit for him. Witasick sought his release from the A's because he was looking for an opportunity to go to a team where he could contribute more. The A's will be responsible for the bulk of his $1.5 million salary. ... According to Lieppman, lefty Brad Halsey, who had shoulder discomfort in April, is following a throwing program and doing well with it. "He's on the right path," Lieppman said. "He's just going to go as far as he can go without surgery." Halsey's agent, Tom O'Connell, said last month that two orthopedists examined the pitcher and did not recommend surgical action. ... Among the A's recent draft picks were catcher Daniel Magnante, the son of longtime Oakland scout Rick Magnante (who signed Barry Zito and Eric Byrnes, among others) and Trent Abbott, a right-handed pitcher who is the son of former big-league pitcher Paul Abbott.